Small Group Tour

Day 1: Bordeaux

Where better to begin our journey of Southwest France than beautiful Bordeaux? After meeting the group, we’ll clink glasses over a delicious welcome meal. Bon appétit!

• Accommodation: Hôtel de Normandie (or similar)
• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Bordeaux - Arachon Bay - Biarritz

This morning we'll move on to Atlantic Ocean-fringed Arcachon Bay, where we'll get our first taste of coastal cuisine with fresh oysters and a glass of local wine from one of the port's traditional cabins. We'll then stop to see the Great Dune of Pilat – Europe's highest sand dune, with panoramic views over the bay. This afternoon, we’ll round off our day in the glamorous seaside town of Biarritz – where we’ll have the evening free to wander the waterfront promenade and sample more local delicacies at our leisure.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Biarritz - Bayonne - Biarritz

Today we’ve a full day taking in the beauty of the French Basque Country. First, we’ll indulge our cultural sides in Bayonne – an art and history hub just a short drive away from Biarritz. Here, we’ll discover a local family business going back three generations at the Bayonne Ham Museum – where we’ll indulge in a ham tasting before returning to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure time.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Georges VI (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 4: Biarritz - Lourdes - Midi-Pyrénées

Today we’ll turn to the east – and on to beautiful Pau. We’ll then travel through the Midi-Pyrénées region (along roads made famous by the Tour de France), pausing en route at the spiritual town of Lourdes. Whilst here, we’ll have the opportunity to see the Sanctuaires Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Massabielle Grotto – a significantly holy site within the Christian faith. In keeping with the spirit of our surroundings, we’ll check into our atmospheric accommodation before enjoying this evening’s included dinner. 

• Accommodation: Hostellerie des Cèdres (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5: Midi-Pyrénées - Carcassonne

Following the trail of knights, we’ll continue our own crusade through the Midi-Pyrénées and past picture-perfect bastides. Along the way, we’ll visit a local winery and enjoy a glass of the region’s speciality – a sparkling Blanquette. Our final stop of the day will be medieval Carcassonne, where we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Carcassonne

Today you’ll be free to discover Carcassonne’s chivalric secrets at your own pace. From the alleys, passageways and 52 towers of the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel (which dates back two millennia) to the Château Comtal and its ramparts, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Later this evening, we’ll come together for an included dinner at a local restaurant – swapping stories and photographs of the day’s discoveries. 

• Accommodation: Hôtel Le Donjon (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7: Carcassonne - Albi - River Lot - Sarlat-la-Canéda

Today we’ll leave the stronghold of Carcassonne behind and make tracks to the ‘red city’ of Albi. Here, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll around the town – taking in the magnificent Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile as we go. Then: we’ll take to the water for a cruise on the River Lot in a traditional wooden gabare boat – enjoying unrivalled views of the clifftop village Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (recently voted ‘France’s favourite village’) and the surrounding area. Later, we’ll move on to Sarlat-la-Canéda – one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Sarlat-la-Canéda - Beynac-et-Cazenac - Sarlat-la-Canéda

On the itinerary today: a stroll through stunning Sarlat-la-Canéda, followed by a delightful visit to the riverside town of Beynac-et-Cazenac. We’ll enjoy some free time to explore the town’s magnificently well-preserved medieval château – which has kept watch over the Dordogne from its hilltop position for nine centuries. Afterwards, we’ll return to Sarlat-la-Canéda for an evening spent at our leisure – perhaps exploring the picturesque alleyways or dining at one of the charming local restaurants in town.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 9: Sarlat-la-Canéda - Vézère Valley - Sarlat-la-Canéda

Today our travels through the Dordogne will lead us to the prehistoric paintings of the UNESCO-protected Lascaux Cave – which was discovered when it was happened upon by a group of teenagers back in 1940. We’ll admire the replica Lascaux Cave II before making a stop at the pretty village of Les Eyzies. Then, we’ll follow the ‘Royal Road’, winding between craggy rocks and flowing rivers until we get to a local truffle farm – where local guides will give us an exclusive lesson in seeking out the rare delicacies. Tonight, we’ll come together and savour a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

• Accommodation: Hôtel Saint-Albert (or similar)
• Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10: Sarlat-la-Canéda - Saint-Émilion - Bordeaux

We’ll spend the final day of our tour in historic Saint-Émilion, a village perched above beautiful rolling countryside and countless vineyards. Here, we’ll have the chance to sample some of the region’s ‘heavy reds’ and say a final santé. We’ll then return to Bordeaux, where we’ll say our goodbyes.

• Meals: Breakfast
  

Please note that prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Twin share from $4,716.57 per person

• Tue 26 Jul - Thu 4 Aug 2022

Twin share from $4,809.07 per person

• Tue 20 Sep - Thu 29 Sep 2022

Twin share from $5,199 per person

• Sat 22 Apr - Mon 1 May 2023
• Tue 2 May - Thu 11 May 2023

On your tour you will spend 9 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels.

Where do I meet my Tour Leader upon arrival?

Your Tour Leader will usually meet you in the arrival hotel’s reception area at the tour’s listed start time. If you can’t see your Tour Leader, look out for any notices posted in the lobby or ask a member of the hotel staff.

Do you provide airport transfers?

For Europe and UK tours, airport transfers are not included in your tour price – however, we can book transfers for you as an additional service.

What grade of hotel are used?

3-star/4-star standard of accommodation ranging from country inns to town centre hotels (and the odd castle!). Rather than going by the official grading (based solely on facilities rather than the standard of the accommodation), choices are based on quality, charm and character. In all hotels, the rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

What level of mobility do I need?

You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. As traditional style hotels are used throughout the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.  Unfortunately mobility scooters or wheelchair are unable to be accommodated. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.